In the past few years, genetic testing has become a bit of a commodity. These tests can potentially prevent diseases and provide doctors with detailed information in case of a threat to the body. It's a genius idea- the ability to assess the genetic make-up of an individual. For research purposes, this is a huge breakthrough in the medical field but should it really be available for the average consumer? Should these tests be covered by insurance? Many professionals think so and more and more are jumping in the genetic testing bandwagon.
The market for these tests is still the relatively wealthy but as the health industry creates more hype around this phenomenon the more “average” people consider it. Although there are no dangers to the test itself, is the idea of the testing dangerous? Are we all just too interested in having the perfect health, the perfect life, the perfect child?
These genetic tests are not only used for preventative health but sometimes when considering procreation in an attempt to avoid a child with a tendency to certain illnesses. I see the point here- why would you want to make a baby with someone if the chances of the baby having down’s syndrome are 90%? Ok, it’s a preventative measure but does this go against nature?
I see these tests as a danger to society in general and as only feeding hypochondriacs and the pharmaceutical-obsessed world that is increasing at a rapid pace. Of course in certain situations I see genetic testing as a great alternative to using the trial and error method. For instance, if someone is suffering from intense symptoms and their doctor can't figure out the problem, the test could prove very useful. The tests are sometimes used to see if a person receiving an organ would be likely to reject it- also a useful situation. For every day people that struggle with feeling perfect? Not necessary.
The genetic testing companies are now focusing on their ability to provide guidance when choosing medication for psychological disorders including depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. There is a current “pharmaceutical challenge” ailing psychiatrists all over the world as they are finding it difficult to know which drug to prescribe to which patient. The companies are claiming that with a genetic test a psychiatrist is more likely to understand which medication would work for your brain. Again, these "depressed" people may only find that the genetic test gives them even more disconcerting information. Many tested have found problems in their body they didn't even know about previously. Couldn't this lead to anxiety? The Mayo Clinic recently posted an article concerning genetic testing creating more anxiety for people that think they may have cancer. Is someone facing bad or maybe life-threatening health problems in a position to handle even more bad news from a genetic test?
Why are we, as humans chasing a perfect life? Why are we all obsessed with feeling good all the time? Should we accept life and take its twists and turns without trying to “fix” ourselves constantly? It seems that these concerns and efforts are creating even more anxiety and potentially leading to more health problems. Has anyone ever considered that it's better not to know? Ignorance is, in fact, bliss.
Genetic Testing is a very avant garde idea but does it represent our desire to live forever in perfect contentment? I think we should contemplate why we feel the need for these tests. My suggestion is that we should all accept our fate, our lives and the situation we were given when placed on this earth.
The market for these tests is still the relatively wealthy but as the health industry creates more hype around this phenomenon the more “average” people consider it. Although there are no dangers to the test itself, is the idea of the testing dangerous? Are we all just too interested in having the perfect health, the perfect life, the perfect child?
These genetic tests are not only used for preventative health but sometimes when considering procreation in an attempt to avoid a child with a tendency to certain illnesses. I see the point here- why would you want to make a baby with someone if the chances of the baby having down’s syndrome are 90%? Ok, it’s a preventative measure but does this go against nature?
I see these tests as a danger to society in general and as only feeding hypochondriacs and the pharmaceutical-obsessed world that is increasing at a rapid pace. Of course in certain situations I see genetic testing as a great alternative to using the trial and error method. For instance, if someone is suffering from intense symptoms and their doctor can't figure out the problem, the test could prove very useful. The tests are sometimes used to see if a person receiving an organ would be likely to reject it- also a useful situation. For every day people that struggle with feeling perfect? Not necessary.
The genetic testing companies are now focusing on their ability to provide guidance when choosing medication for psychological disorders including depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. There is a current “pharmaceutical challenge” ailing psychiatrists all over the world as they are finding it difficult to know which drug to prescribe to which patient. The companies are claiming that with a genetic test a psychiatrist is more likely to understand which medication would work for your brain. Again, these "depressed" people may only find that the genetic test gives them even more disconcerting information. Many tested have found problems in their body they didn't even know about previously. Couldn't this lead to anxiety? The Mayo Clinic recently posted an article concerning genetic testing creating more anxiety for people that think they may have cancer. Is someone facing bad or maybe life-threatening health problems in a position to handle even more bad news from a genetic test?
Why are we, as humans chasing a perfect life? Why are we all obsessed with feeling good all the time? Should we accept life and take its twists and turns without trying to “fix” ourselves constantly? It seems that these concerns and efforts are creating even more anxiety and potentially leading to more health problems. Has anyone ever considered that it's better not to know? Ignorance is, in fact, bliss.
Genetic Testing is a very avant garde idea but does it represent our desire to live forever in perfect contentment? I think we should contemplate why we feel the need for these tests. My suggestion is that we should all accept our fate, our lives and the situation we were given when placed on this earth.
